Shell for a portable telecommunication system

ABSTRACT

A shell for a portable telecommunication system ( 3 ) comprises a surface defining a hollow volume, suitable for being mechanically connected in a removable manner to a portable telecommunication system ( 2 ), said portable telecommunication system ( 2 ) being able to be inserted, at least partially, in the hollow volume, said portable telecommunication system ( 2 ) comprising a memory suitable for storing a computer document, the shell being characterized in that it comprises a communication unit suitable for receiving a document stored in the memory from the portable telecommunication system ( 2 ), and a miniature printing device ( 1 ) for documents, suitable for receiving said computer document via the communication unit and for printing same.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication with Ser. No. 15/507,636, filed on Feb. 28, 2017, which is aU.S. National Stage of International Patent Application No.PCT/FR2015/052287, filed Aug. 28, 2015, which claims priority to FrenchPatent Application No. 1550027, filed Jan. 5, 2015 and French PatentApplication No. 1458066, filed Aug. 28, 2014, the entire content ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to the shells for mobiletelecommunications systems.

More particularly, the invention relates to a shell for a mobiletelecommunications system which includes a surface defining a hollowvolume, adapted to be mechanically linked in a removable manner to amobile telecommunications system, said mobile telecommunications systemthat can be partially at least inserted in the hollow volume, saidmobile telecommunications system including a suitable memory to store acomputer document said mobile telecommunications system also comprisinga camera.

The primary purpose of a shell for mobile telecommunications system isthe protection of the latter, especially in the case of impact or beingdropped.

Some manufacturers offer shells for portable systems comprisingadditional features to that of the protection of the portable system.The “Callstel” brand offers, for example, a shell with an extra batteryfor the portable system.

We also know of a portable miniature printing device, which can bemechanically and electrically connected to a telecommunication systemcell such as a smartphone to allow printing of images contained in thephone, as in the document US2001/0055121. Such a printing device doesnot permit the taking of a picture when mounted with the mobiletelecommunication system.

The present invention is intended to offset these disadvantages. Infact, it is intended to provide a miniature printing device constantlyavailable to the user of the mobile telecommunication system, andadapted to be able to take pictures with the telecommunication systemwhen it is assembled with the portable miniature printing device.

For this purpose, according to the invention, a shell for the mobiletelecommunication system of the kind in question is characterized inthat it comprises a mechanism of communication adapted to receive anelectronic document from the mobile telecommunications system stored inits memory, and a miniature device to print documents, adapted to printthe said electronic document, with the camera of the mobiletelecommunication system uncovered by the shell.

With this layout, the printing functionality is available on the mobileassembly without the need to proceed to an additional assembly for theuser. The shell further ensures its protective function of the mobiletelecommunication system. The user can therefore use the camera of themobile telecommunication system even when the assembly is fully mounted.Thus, the printing device is adapted so that the optical features of themobile telecommunication system are available. In addition, the mobiletelecommunications system is effectively maintained in the printingdevice so that you can manipulate the assembly in different directionsto take the photo without having the printing device and the mobiletelecommunication system come apart. Thus, the invention allows toinstantly convert a mobile telecommunications system into a cameraequipped with a printing device.

In some of the preferred embodiments of the invention, we may eventuallybe able to resort as well to one and/or the other of the followingarrangements:

-   -   The miniature printing device includes at least one circuit        board and a printer controlled by the circuit board.    -   The miniature printing device comprises a battery, the said        battery is adapted to power the printer.    -   The miniature printing device comprises a power connector        adapted to be connected to a battery of the mobile        telecommunication system.    -   The shell comprises areas of transfer of command, said areas of        transfer of command being adapted to transmit an activation        command from the buttons of the mobile telecommunication system        through the shell, the buttons of the mobile telecommunications        system being adapted to operate the mobile telecommunication        system functions.    -   The shell includes openings in the surface of the shell, such        openings being adapted to uncover the optical features of the        mobile telecommunication system.    -   The shell includes an opening adapted to uncover a screen of the        mobile telecommunication system.    -   The shell includes an opening adapted to uncover an image sensor        of the mobile telecommunication system.    -   The shell comprises two parts to be assembled, both parts being        adapted to be assembled to form together the shell in which the        mobile telecommunication system is at least partially inserted.    -   The shell includes a reservoir for print media, and a transfer        mechanism adapted to draw the print media from the reservoir for        print media to the miniature printing device.    -   The shell includes a return spring recalling the two parts one        towards the other, so as to enclose the mobile telecommunication        system between them.    -   The shell includes an extraction slot for the print media, and a        suitable transfer mechanism to draw the print media from the        reservoir of the print media towards the 15 print media slot        extraction slot.

According to still another aspect, the invention relates to an assemblycomprising a mobile telecommunications system and a shell for the mobiletelecommunication system, the shell being mechanically linked in adetachable manner to the system to mobile telecommunication, the saidmobile telecommunications system comprising a memory adapted for storinga computer document, the shell comprising a body of communicationadapted to receive a mobile telecommunication system computer documentstored in the memory, and a miniature device to print documents, adaptedto receive via the communications system and print the said computerdocument.

In some of the preferred embodiments of the invention, we may eventuallybe able to resort as well to one and/or the other of the followingarrangements:

-   -   the shell includes a shutter release button for picture taking,        said trigger button being adapted for launch on the mobile        telecommunication system, when pressed, an application that        triggers the taking of the photo the shutter release button is        suitable to trigger 5 printing a photo when it is pressed.    -   the assembly includes a sensor detecting the connection of the        shell and the mobile telecommunication system, the shell        preventing printing when you activate the shutter in case of the        absence of a connection to the shell and a mobile        telecommunications system.    -   the shell includes a shutter release button for picture taking,        said trigger button being adapted to launch on the mobile        telecommunication system, when it is pressed, an application        initiates the taking of a photo and printing of the said photo.    -   the printing of a photo is controlled by activating, via the        touchscreen the mobile telecommunications system, an application        adapted to trigger the taking of a photo.    -   the application relating to the taking of a picture and/or a        printing is launched by connecting the mobile telecommunication        system to the shell.    -   the miniature printing device receives the computer documents        contained in the memory of the portable system via wired or        wireless connection.    -   the mobile telecommunication system is a smartphone.    -   the mobile telecommunication system is connectible by radio        waves to an external base.    -   the computer document includes an image captured by the mobile        telecommunication system or contained in an external database to        the mobile telecommunications system accessible by mobile        telecommunications system.

According to still another aspect, the invention relates to a computerprogram product stored on a portable telecommunications system includedin the assembly, which the product is suitable to trigger the printingof a computer document contained in a portable communication systemmemory when the computer program product is executed by a processor ofthe assembly.

According to one aspect, the shell includes a casing, an adapter atleast part of the hollow volume, and a system of communication betweenthe adapter and the casing, in which case includes the miniatureprinting device.

According to one aspect, the adapter includes a microcontrollerdedicated to the mobile telecommunication system.

According to one aspect, the communication system includes a firstconnector supported by the adapter, and a second connector,complementary to the first connector, supported by the case.

According to one aspect, the casing and the adapter together delineateat least a portion of the hollow volume.

According to one aspect, the casing includes a base portion and a mobileunit with regards to the base portion and with the adapter, thecommunication system between the adapter and the casing comprising aflexible flat cable connection.

According to one aspect, the adapter includes the communication system.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to such an adapter.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to an assortment ofshells, the casings are identical, and the adapters are different.

According to one aspect, the adapters differ by one and/or both of thefollowing characteristics:

-   -   a dimension of the adapter,    -   location of the adapter component,    -   a connector of the adapter,    -   a microcontroller of the adapter.

According to another aspect, an invention relates to a systemcomprising:

A shell for mobile telecommunication system,

-   -   A paper refill,    -   A detachable fastener interface of the paper refill and adapted        shell to alternatively attach the refill to the shell in a        position where a paper support can be extracted from the paper        refill with a view to print, and to withdraw it.

In particular, the paper refill can include the means of the detachableattachment to the shell.

According to another aspect, an invention relates to a process in which:

A picture is selected to print,

A detected movement is compared on the surface of the screen of themobile telecommunication system with a predetermined move for the launchof a printing, in case of positive comparison, the printing istriggered,

Wherein the predetermined movement comprises a continuous displacementof an amplitude greater than a predetermined amplitude according to adirection for which the main component is in the direction of the slot.

According to another aspect, an invention relates to a process in which:

On a screen of the mobile telecommunication device, it displays an imageto print, Following receipt of a print command, it displays in asuccessively repeated manner on the said screen a plurality of imageseach with a transfer of the previous image to print in the direction ofthe slot to print, the transfer speed is synchronized with the printingspeed.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear during thenext description of many of its embodiments, provided as non-limitingexamples, with respect to the attached drawings.

On the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the shell with themobile telecommunication system,

FIGS. 2a to 2c are views from the front, side and back, respectively, ofthe mobile telecommunication system,

FIG. 3 is a blueprint of the concept of operation of the assembly,

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the shell with themobile telecommunication system and of different components of theminiature printing device,

FIG. 5 illustrates the shell alone,

FIG. 6 is a blueprint view of the circuit board,

FIGS. 7a and 7b are views of the assembly of the shell with the mobiletelecommunications system and connectivity on the shell,

FIGS. 8a and 8b are views of the layout of the printing system inrelation to the mobile telecommunications system device,

FIG. 9 shows the print media reservoir,

FIG. 10 is a view of the assembly of the shell in two parts,

FIG. 10a is a view of the shell of a single part,

FIG. 11 illustrates a mode of assembling the two parts,

FIG. 12 illustrates the scrolling of the computer document on the screenof the mobile telecommunication system during printing,

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a casing for a modular shell system,and

FIGS. 14a and 14b are two examples of adapters for a modular shellsystem,

FIGS. 15a and 15b are views of the shell to the adapter in closed andopen position, respectively.

FIG. 16 shows the upper part of the shell casing to adapter,

FIG. 17 is a view of the lower part of the shell casing to adapter,

FIGS. 18a and 18b are cross-sectional views of the shell to the adapterin closed and open position, respectively,

FIGS. 19a and 19b are cross-sectional views of the shell casing toadapter in the closed and open position,

FIG. 20a is an exploded view of the casing and adapter, FIG. 20b is adetailed view of the clips on the surface of the mobile part of thecasing, and FIG. 20c is a rotated view of the adapter.

FIG. 21 is a view of the lower part of the shell casing to adapter,

FIG. 22 illustrates the reservoir of the shell casing to adapter,

FIG. 23 illustrates the trigger button the shell to adapter,

FIG. 24 is a view of the mobile telecommunications system assembled withthe shell.

On the various figures, the same references refer to identical orsimilar items.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a shell 3 is mechanically linked, in aremovable manner, to a mobile 2 telecommunications system. The shell 3includes a thin partition and a miniature printing device 1. Thepartition 9 defines an interior volume 10 in which is contained theminiature printing device 1. The images (or other computer documents)are contained on the mobile telecommunication system 2 or loaded on themobile telecommunications system 2 from a database via a network. Theminiature printing device 1 permits the printing of these images on asheet of paper (or other print media 30) then extracted from the shell's3 slot 8.

The partition 9 also defines a hollow volume 11 in which at leastpartially fits the mobile telecommunications system 2.

It is understood that by mobile telecommunication system, it is a systemof sufficiently small dimensions and light enough to be carried.

In a specific embodiment that we will describe here, the mobiletelecommunications system 2 is a smartphone and the shell 3 is a shellof the smartphone. The partition 9 of the shell 3 is, for example, inplastic or any material that may protect the mobile telecommunicationssystem 2 from impact.

In FIGS. 2a-2c , we describe in a purely illustrative manner an exampleof a mobile telecommunications system adapted for the invention. Themobile telecommunications 2 system comes in the form of a thinrectangular parallelepiped. It consists of a front side 2 a, and anopposite back side 2 b, which are the two sides of a large surface. Verygenerally speaking, such a mobile telecommunication system 2 includes a20 internal circuit board 53, and an internal battery 51 adapted topower the internal electronic circuit 53. The circuit board 53 includesa processor 54 and memory 55 adapted to store computer files. Thecircuit board 53 is 25 capable of managing a set of portable systemcomponents, such as an optical sensor 56 uncovering the surface of themobile telecommunications 2 system, for example on the back face 2 b, aflash 57 uncovering the surface of the mobile telecommunications 2system of preference near the optical sensor 56, a screen 58 uncoveringthe surface of the mobile telecommunication 2 system, for example on thefront face 2 a, a user interface that allows the user to interact withthe mobile telecommunications 2 system, such as for example atouchscreen embedded in the screen 58. In terms of user interface, themobile telecommunication system 2 may also include one or more physicalbuttons 64, such as in particular an on/off button to alternativelystart or stop the operation of the mobile telecommunication system 2. Wecan also anticipate +/−buttons 65 a, 65 b adapted to adjust anoperational setting of the mobile telecommunications system 2, such asthe sound level or the level of the optical setting of the screen. Forexample, these buttons are located on the edge.

The mobile telecommunications system 2 may also include one or moremodules of communication 59, 60, for example a communication networkmodule 59 adapted to communicate wirelessly to an external base 61 foraccess to the Internet by radio waves, and/or a telephone communicationmodule 60 for telephone wireless communication. The mobiletelecommunications system 2 may also include a communication module innear field 71, for example Bluetooth, NFC, or WiFi. The circuit board 53can also manage a microphone 62 and/or loudspeaker 63 to capture and/oremit a sound, respectively.

The mobile telecommunications system 2 may also include one or moreconnectors 52 a, 52 b to be electrically connected to externalequipment. In particular, there would be a connector 52 a to connect themobile telecommunication system 2 to an external power source torecharge the battery 51. We can anticipate a connector 52 b forconnection to a headset. Other connectors are conceivable.

The memory 55 is suitable for the storage of computer files. These filescan be data files, such as image or text type. The processor 54 can alsorun one or more tailored computer programs to process one or more ofthese computer files. In terms of processors, files, storage, network,memory, we are referring to any type of device capable of implementingthese functions, as understood by a person skilled in the art ofcomputing.

An example of the general principle of operation is illustrated by thediagram in FIG. 3. The mobile telecommunications system 2 captures animage, or receives an image from a database located in a network, byconnecting for example via WiFi. The image is stored in the mobiletelecommunication system 2. This image is transmitted to the printingdevice 1, connected by a communications system 200, for example amechanical connection, such as a micro-USB connector, or by wirelessconnection, such as Bluetooth to the mobile telecommunication system 2,by an add-on to the near field communication module 71 for the nearfield communication. The printing is then initiated by the printingdevice 1 on print media. It is then extracted from the shell 3. Theimage is thus retrieved as a print.

More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the miniature printingdevice 1 includes a miniature printer 7 and a circuit board 5. Theprinter 7 is for example a thermal printer with a mechanical componentof operation. The miniature printing device 1 can also include its ownbattery 6, as illustrated in FIG. 4, allowing independent operation ofthe miniature printing device 1. For example, the battery 6 isrechargeable via a 300 charging connector like a micro USB charger.

A commutator implementing a commutation “SWITCH” can be implemented. Anyprinting while the battery 6 is being be recharged is prohibited toavoid a possible destructive effect to the components of the shell inthe event of printing at the same time as the recharge. A 5V plug issufficient to recharge the device. A converter implementing a voltageincrease function (“STEP UP” function) to increase the voltage of thecharge to 9-10V can be used to recharge the battery 6.

The battery 6, for example, has a capacity of 1 to 50 prints, notably 20to 25 prints. As a variant, the miniature printing device 1 might notinclude its own battery but use the battery 51 of the mobiletelecommunications system 2, for example through a power connectionbetween the circuit board 5 of the miniature printing device 1 and thebattery from the portable system 2 through the charging connector 52 aof the mobile telecommunications system plugged into the additionalconnector 201 of the shell. Different elements of the printing device 1are arranged for example as shown in FIG. 4.

Notably, as seen in FIG. 5, the hollow space 11 presents a supplementaryform to the shape of the mobile telecommunication system 2. This way,the mobile telecommunications system 2 can be assembled in the shell 3with a complementarity of forms. The hollow space 11 is defined by abottom 12 adapted to receive the face back 2 b of the mobiletelecommunications system 2 and a side wall 13 extending from the bottom12, and intended to face the edge of the portable telecommunicationsystem 2. The side wall 13 can preferably extend on the 4 sides and/orthe 4 corners of the portable telecommunication system 2 so as toprotect it from shocks. The bottom 12 defines the position of theportable telecommunication system 2 in the depth direction, and thelateral wall 13 in the lateral one, so that the front side 2 a is atmost flush with the outer surface of the shell 3.

The electronic card 5 extends under the bottom 12 (not shown in FIG. 4),particularly over the part of the portable telecommunication system 2which does not carry the optical sensor. The printer 7 and the battery 6are arranged on both sides of the electronic card 5 in the mainlongitudinal direction of the portable system 2. For example, as shown,the battery 6 is located at the back of the portable system 2, close tothe optical sensor. The printer 7 is on the opposite side, and islongitudinally offset relative to the portable system 2.

The electronic card 5 manages the interaction of the miniature printingdevice 1 with the portable telecommunication system 2 via thecommunication component 200. The electronic card 5 controls and monitorsthe printer 7 in particular. The electronic card 5 also manageseverything related to image processing (the image format, such as thecolors of the image, the dpi format such as the image size). Thisinformation will be transferred to the print head of the printer 7. Theprint head of the printer 7 may be a commercial product produced by thecompany ALPS for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The mechanical partof the printer 7 comprises, for example, an electric motor 14 which, forexample, drives a roller 15, in such a way that a printing medium ismoved in the longitudinal direction by the roller 15 towards the printhead 16. The electronic card 5 can be interfaced by a communicationcomponent 200, as described above, for example by means of a micro-USBconnector, to the portable telecommunication system 2. One advantage ofa mechanical connection will be, for example, the data transfer speed.

As shown in FIG. 6, the electronic card 5 integrates a microcontroller17 for managing the assembly comprised of the miniature printing device1 and the portable telecommunication system 2. It manages theconnections of the printing device 1 with the various telephones orother portable systems 2 with which the cover can be assembled. Itconnects the “smartphone”, for example, to the processor on theelectronic card 5 which will process the image before printing it. Theprocessor is, for example, a CONEXANT DC 1330 chip operating, forexample, under LINUX. The transfer of data between the microcontroller17 and the chip is performed, for example, by means of UART (UniversalAsynchronous Receiver Transmitter) components.

The electronic card 5 also comprises a random access memory RAM 18. Amemory of approximately 32 MB to 512 MB, for example one of 128 MBapproximately, may be provided in order to run the printing software andto store data, as well as a FLASH memory 19 of a few MO for the storageof embedded software and digital data. The interface with the printer 7comprises, for example, two connectors, for example a 26- and a 12-pinconnector respectively, for controlling the thermal head 16 and themotor 14.

The microcontroller 17 may be, in a particular variant where theportable telecommunication system 2 is a telephone marketed under theiPhone and Apple brands, connected via an Apple identificationco-processor. This item is a component imposed by Apple and its MFi(Made For iPhone) program so as to connect the cover to the iPhone viathe dedicated connector. This is somehow the key that will unlock theiPhone's connection port and will allow the cover 3 to communicate withthe iPhone.

The miniature printing device 1 is integrated in the thickness of thecover 3. It is for example glued to the wall 9. In the case of a wiredelectrical connection, through the communication component 201 betweenthe miniature printing device 1 and the portable system 2 for example,the miniature printing device 1 connects to the portabletelecommunication system 2 when the portable communication system 2 isinserted in the cover 3.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b , the cover 3 comprises buttonsadapted to actuate the buttons of the portable telecommunications system2. The buttons of the system 2 are, for example, connected to thebuttons of the cover 3 by means of a system of springs or a system ofdeformable seals (made of silicone for example). In particular, thecover 3 comprises the button 100 (FIG. 7a ) on its surface, which allowsto switch the portable system on and off.

The button 100 is mechanically connected to the on/off button 64 of theportable system 2. The cover also the sound buttons 102 a, 102 b (FIG.7b ). The sound buttons 102 a, 102 b of the cover are arranged so as toface the sound buttons 65 a, 65 b of the portable system 2. This

Arrangement allows the user to control a sound button 65 a, 65 b bypressing a respective sound button 102 a, 102 b. The sound buttons 102a, 102 b may not be buttons, but simple control transfer areas,featuring a button design, the deformability of the wall 9 in thisparticular location making it possible to transmit the control effortexerted by the user on the underlying button of the portabletelecommunication system 2.

The cover may also feature openings 106 for accessing the connectors ofthe portable system 2, such as the headset connector 52 b. The cover mayalso include cable extensions, so as to provide an extension, forexample, to the USB port 52 a of the portable system 2. The extensionmay include a USB port 107 (possibly merged with port 300), a male USBconnector 201, adapted to be plugged into the USB port 52 a of theportable system 2, and an electrical connection between this USB maleconnector 201 and the USB port 52 a (FIG. 7b ).

Therefore, all the functions of the portable telecommunication system 2only accessible via its USB port 52 a (charging of the battery of theportable telecommunication system 2 and communication between theportable telecommunication system 2 and an external processor, amongothers) are still available to the portable communication system 2 viathe USB port 107 of the cover 3 and the connection between the USB port107 of the cover 3 and the USB port 52 a of the cover. In addition, theUSB port 107 is used to charge the battery of the cover 3. Aprioritization module may be used to manage the charge of both thebattery of the portable telecommunication system 2 and that of the cover(simultaneous charging or priority charging in favor of thetelecommunication system portable 2 for example).

Moreover, the processor of the portable telecommunication system 2 andthat of the hull also communicate via a USB connection between theportable telecommunication system 2 and hull 3.

The optical functionalities (on one hand, the lens, the camera or theflash, on the other hand the screen) of the portable telecommunicationsystem 2 are discovered by the hull 3. For example, the hull 3 includesopenings formed in the surface of the hull 3, to discover the opticalfunctionalities of the system 2. Opening 108 (image 5) discovers, forexample, the screen of the portable telecommunication system 2. Opening109 seen on image 8 a discovers the lens, the camera, or the flash ofthe portable telecommunication system 2. This configuration allows totake a photograph when the portable telecommunication system 2 isassembled in the hull 3.

The hull 3 also includes an inkjet container 4 (or a paper tank) as seenin images 8 a and 8 b. The paper tank 4 included in the hull thickness 3(image 8 a), and accessible for the paper refill on the surface of thehull 3 (image 8 b). The hull 3 can, for example, include a part 110mounted on a supporting bracket on the wall 9, making it possible toopen or close the paper tank 4. As an alternative, one can use any typeof adapted system temporarily giving or preventing access to the papertank. The tank makes the paper sheets available for the printer 7.Particularly, as seen on image 8 b, the paper sheets are laid out on theroller 15, which can start the paper sheet drive to the print head ascommanded. The paper tank 4, for example, lies longitudinally betweenthe battery 6 and the mechanical printer part 7.

As represented on image 9, one can, for example, foresee that a paper1001 refill includes a paper support 1002, such as, for example, a trayreceiving several sheets 1003, and presenting a slot 1004 on one side,allowing a paper sheet to exit through the slot. The support 1002 alsoincludes a removable fixing interface 1005 in the hull 3. On a purelyillustrative basis, one envisages, for example, a system with a bayonet,in which the wall 9 includes entry slots 1006 for 1007 support 1002stands, the support 1002 can then be moved in a transverse direction, inan entry direction, so that the stands 1007 are retained by a collectionsurface 1008 on the wall 9. Other detachable connection systems ofrefill 1001 in the hull 3 are possible.

Thus, according to an invention, one envisages a system including:

-   -   A hull for a portable telecommunication system,    -   A paper refill,    -   An adapted removable fixture interface of the paper refill and        hull for alternatively secure the refill at the hull in a        position where a paper support can be extracted from the paper        refill for printing and collection.

In particular, for this invention, one envisages the paper refillincluding a removable mounting on the hull.

The hull 3 also includes a paper extraction slot 8 after printing (FIG.1).

The way of carrying out the invention described above can includeseveral alternatives.

In alternative, for example, the printing device 1 is detachable fromhull 3.

As another alternative, like seen on image 10, the hull 3 is made up oftwo parts 111, 112 assembled to set the hull 3. For example, one of theparts 112 includes a part 113 which is embedded in the part 111. Theportable system 2 for example is inserted in the first part 111,possibly including the printing device 1, then the second part 112 isassembled to the first part to close the hull 3, partially including theportable system 2. One also envisages a removable connection between thetwo parts, allowing, if necessary, to withdraw the portabletelecommunication system 2 of hull 1. The removable part between the twohull parts can, in any event, be adapted, such as by a click and lock,for example. If necessary, like seen on image 11, the first parts 111includes a reverse part 114 facing bottom 12 to retain the portablesystem 2 so that this one does not leave the hull. This reverse part 114together with bottom 12 and side wall 13 form a rail for the insertionof the portable system 2. This reverse part 114 can thus be provided onthe whole part of the periphery of the first 111 part or, if necessary,in specific places of this one. This geometry can also be planned forthe second part 112. But, in alternative, this geometry is not plannedfor the second part. Moreover, if necessary, the second part 112 isoptional, and the axial retention of the portable communication system 2in the hull 3 is made differently, as seen in image 10 a.

As an alternative, the invention considers an adapter to adapt hull 3and the miniature printing device 1, according to the format i.e. sizeof the portable system 2 and according to the model, i.e. of theprovision of the buttons of the portable system 2.

In particular, as seen on images 13 and 14 a, one presents a hull 3especially adapted for the first type of portable telecommunicationsystem 2. The hull 3 includes a panel 20 represented on image 13, and a21 adapter represented on image 14 a. The panel 20 and adapter 21 arejoined together in an appropriate manner, for example by screwing. Atthe assembly step, which is done, for example, according to anassembling direction, adapter 21 can be guided in cooperation with theguide noses 25 projecting an adapter side 21 with openings 26distributed in the panel. Other outputs are possible.

When they are joined together, panel 20 and adapter 21 form the hulltogether, or part of the hull. One can, for example, foresee that, whenthey are joined together, panel 20 and adapter 21 form the part 111 ofthe hull (seen on image 10). When they are joined together, panel 20 andadapter 21 define together the hollow volume part intended to receivethe portable telecommunication system 2 in an adjusted way. For example,one can provide that panel 20 defines bottom 12, and that the adapter 20defines 13 side walls.

In this embodiment, the shell does not necessarily include part 112.This allows to improve the usability at the user's level. In this case,the side wall no. 13 extends on 3 sides and 2 corners of the mobiletelecommunication system 2. The mechanical retention of the mobiletelecommunications system no. 2 is the done only through part 111. Forexample, guidance cleats no. 25 can be used at the level of at least aside wall 13, hence enclosing the mobile telecommunications system 2.The cleats 25 can be deformed elastically to allow this retention Thefirst cleat 25 in the direction of the insertion of the mobiletelecommunication system 2 can present 27 edge beveled to guide theinsertion of the mobile telecommunication system 2.

A communication system 22 is provided between the adapter 21 and thehousing 20. The communication system 22 is for example, a wired systemwhich includes a first connector 22 a carried by the housing 20 and asecond connector 22 b carried by the adapter 21. The first and secondconnectors 22A, 22B are complementary so as to be connectible together,particularly depending on the direction of assembly.

The housing 20 is independent of the mobile telecommunication system 2.

The housing 20 presents sizes that accommodate many types of differentportable telecommunication systems 2 Thus, the dimensions of the housing20 are defined by the biggest or the largest mobile telecommunicationsystems 2 processed by the shell 3.

Thus, a first micro controller 17A contained in the housing 20, isdedicated to the implementation of the printing system from informationreceived at the level of the connector 22 a.

The adapter 21 is dedicated to the mobile telecommunication system 2.Thus, the dimensions of the adapter 21 are defined by the mobiletelecommunications system 2. This applies in particular to the widthmeasured between the side walls 13. Concerning the length of the mobiletelecommunication system 2, the adapter 21 may not present specificcharacteristics, although this being taken into account by the part no.112, as it is being assembled to the adapter 21.

Regarding the thickness of the mobile telecommunication system 2, it canbe taken into account at the level of one or several integrated spacers23 facing the housing 20.

The adapter 21 includes the communication body 200. The communicationbody 200 is dedicated to the mobile telecommunication system 2. This isfor example one and/or the other type of the position of thecommunication body 200. Thus, FIG. 14A represents a connection that isknown today under the name of “lightning”. The electrical circuit 24transmits signals from the communication body 200 to the connector 22 b.If applicable, the electric circuit 24 treats the signals to ensure thatthe information reaching the connector 22 b are in a standard format.Thus, the 21 adapter includes a second micro controller 17 b dedicatedto the mobile telecommunication system 2. The second 17B microcontroller manages the interaction between the shell 3 and the mobiletelecommunications system 2. The first and the second micro controllers17A, 17B together form the micro controller 17 of hull 3.

FIG. 14b represents an adapter 21′ dedicated to another type of portabletelecommunications system 2.

Adapters 21 and 21′ differ notably from one another by one or both ofthe following characteristics:

-   -   the dimension of the adapter,    -   the connection of the adapter,    -   the micro-controller of the adapter,    -   location of component (button, opening,) of the adapter.

Concerning the geometry of the adapters 21, 21′, the reference point totake into account is the connector 22 b, whose position is defined byits cooperation with the connector 22 a of the housing 20. With respectto the dimensions of the adapter 21′, the thickness of the spacers 23may differ compared to those of the adapter 21. The width definedbetween the side walls 13 may differ between the two adapters 21 and 21′by changing the thickness of the lateral cleats. Indeed, as it isvisible on these figures, the adapters 21 and 21′ may include theguidance cleats 25 that extend from the side of the adapter facing thehousing 20. The guiding cleats 25 fit into 26 openings of the housing20. The inner side of the guidance cleats 25 form the side walls 13. Inthe adapter 21′, the cleats 25 are thinner than those in the adapter 20.Thus, for the same external width of the adapters 21 and 21′(corresponding to the width of the housing 20, and the location of thecap screws), the width of the hollow interior is different.

The body of the communication 200 of the adapter 21′ can be differentfrom that of the adapter 21. It is a different technology. For example,here is illustrated by one example of a so-called ‘micro-USB’ connector.The position of the connector may also differ. For instance, in thethickness or laterally. When necessary, the micro controller carried bythe adapter 21′ differs from that carried by the adapter 21 in order toadapt to the specific nature of the mobile telecommunication system 2.

The adapter 21, 21′ can be fixed permanently to the housing 20. Forexample, it is not intended to be disconnected. However, as analternative, a simple disassembly of the adapter 21 could be foreseen.Thus, the user will have one adaptable housing 20 10 on several of hismobile telecommunications 2 systems. The case of a family comprisingseveral mobile different telecommunication systems 2, or a person achanging a portable telecommunications system 2 over a provided time isan example. Depending on the case, (no planned disassembly, a possibledisassembly every week, or every two years), different assemblytechnologies may be considered. The adapter can then be marketed as anindividual component, for the 20 users with already having a housing.

Although two examples of adapters have been described, it isunderstandable that other examples could be provided to fit differentmobile telecommunication 2 systems available on the market.

Thus, according to the invention, it is expected that a wide range ofshells including a plurality of shells, the control boxes 20 beidentical, and adapters the 21 and 21′ being different.

Thus, according to one aspect, the invention relates to 30, an adapterdefines a part of a hollow volume adapted to receive a mobiletelecommunications system in an adjusted way. The adapter includes acommunication module 200 with the system of portable telecommunication,a micro-controller managing the interface with the portabletelecommunication system, a connector 22 b adapted to be connected to apanel including a miniature printing device.

In alternative seen in images 15 a and 15 b, hull 3 is operated in twomobile parts 111 and 112, one parallel to each other, but selecting oneover the other to prevent a complete uncoupling. In this example, part111 constitutes a base 115 and part 112 constitutes a mobile equipment116, mobile compared to base 115. The base 115 and the mobile equipment116 are assembled as mobile unit, one over the other, the mobileequipment 116 is able to move with a translational motion in a parallelplan at the surface of the base 115. The Hull 3 then passes from closedas seen on image 15 a to open as seen on image 15 b. The Hull 3 thusopens an adapted space to insert, at least partially, a portabletelecommunication system 2, between base 115 and the mobile equipment116. More precisely, the hull 3 includes a control knob 40 adapted togenerate this opening movement. In an operating procedure that wedescribe below, the control knob 40 must be held down to hold hull 3open and to allow the insertion of the portable telecommunication system2. In this operating procedure, when button 40 is released, hull 3 ispartially closed again on the portable telecommunication system 2 whichis thus hold in hull 3.

In this particular case, panel 20 includes two parts, an upper part 220seen on image 16 and a lower part 210 seen on image 17.

The upper part 220 seen on image 16 it's made up of two subsections, amobile part 222 and a frame 221, the mobile part 222 is adapted to movein a translational motion in the perpendicular direction of the surfaceof panel 20 in relation to frame 221, the mobile part and the frame aremobile compared to the other in order not to be able to be uncoupled ofeach other. The mobile part 222 includes, in particular two shafts 45,for example, metallic, extending according to the translational motionin a translational direction, fixed in the mobile part 222, for example,in plastic, and the body of the mobile part 222, for example, beingmolded around the shafts 45. The mobile part 222 also includes twocorners 42, i.e. two parts whose abutment surface is in the sameinclined plan and in an oblique direction compared to the plane surfaceof the panel 20.

The lower part 210 seen on image 17 includes a button 400, theaforementioned button 400 including two push rods 43, each of the twopush rods 43 a part of the abutment surface, in the same inclined planof the oblique direction compared to the plane surface of the panel 20and to that of the corners 42, but of opposed slope, so that the twopush rods 43 are complementary to the two corners 42. The two push rods43 regulate the control knob 40, the two push rods and control knob 40were for example, molded in a part.

More precisely the lower part 210 includes a wall 90 defining the volume1000. The volume 1000 can be, in particular, a little more convex anddeep in a lower part 210, which creates a handle effect for a handyassembly by the user of the hull 3 with the portable telecommunicationsystem 2.

The control knob 40 is accessible via an opening in the wall 90. Guidesare molded on the wall 90 background of the volume 1000 exit so that thebutton 400 when it is pushed is guided in a translational motion and ina perpendicular direction to wall 90 on the opening level. The button400 can be placed in particular on the bulge level of the lower part210. The external surface of the hull 3 bulge can be, in particular, inpolyurethane for one silky touch, with for example a coating in leather.

A spring 41 on the control knob 40 level exerts a pressure resistanceeffect of the button 40, which allows, when it is released, that thislast tends to return to its initial position in its housing.

As seen in images 18 a and 18 b, when upper part 220 and lower 210 ofthe panel are assembled, the push rods 43 coincide (complementarybalance and form) with corners 42, corners 42 and push rods 43, incontact with the abutments when the hull 3 is closed (images 18 a). Theupper part 220 and the lower part 210 are assembled in a fixed, rigidand non-removable way, via a screw system, as an example.

When the control knob 40 is pressed, this one pulls apart, according tothe drive of the control knob 40, the two push rods 43 settings comparedto two corners 42. The contact surface between corners 42 and push rods43 as in an inclined plan, the upper part 220 is thus, by a movement ofcam, relocated compared to the frame 221 in the direction of the shaft45 (images 18 b).

As seen in images 19 a and 19 b, the springs 44 are rolled up around twoshafts 45, and are located between the mobile part 222 and the frames221, locked against the frame 221 (image 19 a). When the mobile part 222is pulled apart, the two springs 44 are energized and tend to slackwhile putting the mobile part 222 in contact with the frame 221 (image19 b).

If the portable telecommunication system 2 is then inserted betweenframe 221 and the mobile part 222, the springs 44 make it possible toenclose the portable telecommunication system 2 between the frame 221and the mobile part 222.

In an adapter operating procedure, the adapter 21 can be fixed at themobile part 222. The frame 221 and adapter 21 are assembled as a mobileunit one over the other, the adapter 21 which can move in atranslational motion in a parallel plan at the surface of the frame inview. The Hull 3 thus opens in an adapted space to insert, at leastpartially, a portable telecommunication system 2, between adapter 21 andbody 221.

The adapter 21, illustrated in FIG. 20a , is fixed on the opposite sideof the movable part 222 to the side of the movable part facing thebottom 12. The adapter 21 is also partially inserted into the chassisand translates with respect to the frame 221 when the cover 3 changesfrom the open to the closed position. The adapter 21 includes one of theconnectors 201 according to the communication type used between theportable telecommunication system 2 and the cover 3. The portabletelecommunication system 2 can therefore be inserted and secured both bythe connection via the connector 201 and by the partial reclosing of theadapter 21 carried by the movable part 116 after the insertion of theportable telecommunications system 2 into the space between the case 20and the adapter 21. Line guide pawls 25 with a beveled leading edge 26are molded on the rear face of the adapter 21 to guide the insertion ofthe portable telecommunication system 2, as illustrated in FIG. 20c .The width between the line guide pawls 25 is adapted to the width of theportable telecommunication system 2 to which the adapter 21 isdedicated. Thanks to the spring system 44, it can adjust to any portabletelecommunication system 2, whatever its thickness.

Different adapters 21 may be mounted on the box 20 depending on themodel of the portable telecommunication system 2 considered. For thispurpose, the adapter 21 can be mounted/removed from the case 20 via asystem of clips 50 located on both sides of the case 20 (of its movablepart 116 in particular) and adapted to fit into the openings 51 piercedthrough the surface of the adapter 21. The adapter 21 may be providedwith a single clip on both sides of the case as illustrated in FIG. 20a. As an alternative, the case 20 could also be provided with severalclips 50 on each side, as illustrated in FIG. 20b . These clips 50 will,for example, be molded with the movable part 222. To change the adapter21 on the case 20, the user compresses the different clips 50, ifpossible simultaneously.

Holding the button 40 pressed makes it possible to keep the adaptedspace available in order to insert the portable telecommunication system2. The release of the button 40 after insertion of the electronic deviceresults in an, at least partial, expansion of the springs 44, whichallows for a sliding path to appear so as to continue the insertion ofthe portable telecommunication system 2. In the inserted configuration,the complementary connector 201 of the cover 3, which can be connectedto the charger connector 52 a of the portable telecommunication system 2is available to connect the portable telecommunication system 2, inparticular. The release of the button 40 after insertion of theelectronic device has the additional effect of maintaining the portabletelecommunication system 2 in the cover 3. When the cover is in theclosed position, which means when the adapter 21 makes contact with theside facing the case 20, the complementary connector 201 is housed in ahousing 117 hollowed out on the surface.

The portable telecommunications system 2 thus inserted into the covermakes therefore contact with the surface of the case 20.

The upper part 220 of the case 20 comprises a main printed circuit onits side facing the lower part 210 of the case, as illustrated in FIG.16. The miniature printing device 1 is, for example, placed next to themain printed circuit on the side facing the lower part 210 of the case20. A flat ribbon cable coming out of the printer are connected to themain printed circuit board. A second printed circuit is connected to themain printed circuit through a flexible flat ribbon cable. The battery 6is housed in the same compartment and can partially cover the printedcircuit. A first plate 301 made of metal, for example, may, for example,partially cover the flat ribbon cables coming out of the second printedcircuit, the flat ribbon cable has a male (or female) flat connectorconnected to a female (or male respectively) flat connector on theinside of the adapter 21 during the mounting of the adapter on the case20, the referred second printed circuit being connected to themechanical connector according to the model of the portabletelecommunications system 2 used. The movable part of the housing 20has, for example, a hollowed-out section 70 where such male (or female)flat connector will be placed. The flexible flat ribbon cable allows tomaintain the electrical connection of the adapter 21 despite themovements of the latter in relation to the frame.

The case 20 also includes a paper tray 4 as illustrated in FIG. 21. Inthe previous embodiments, the paper tray 4 may alternatively beaccessible via the front side of the case 20 facing the adapter 21, orvia the opposite face, as illustrated in FIG. 7b . A flap 1001 is hingedto the frame 221, allowing the paper tray 4 to be opened or closed, asillustrated in FIG. 22. A second plate 302, made of metal for example,emerges, and lies parallel with the flap inside the tray 4 to keep theinserted sheets well positioned on the tray 4 when the flap 1001 isclosed. The tray is opened by means of a gripping recess 118 hollowedout in the thickness of the flap, and via a system of teeth 119 whichare clipped under the thickness of the edge of the case 20 when the flap1001 is in the closed position.

The first plate illustrated in FIG. 16 can be used, among other things,to form protruding flaps 303 through the surface of the casing facingthe adapter 21. Such flaps make it possible, in particular, via a springsystem 304, to eliminate the play in the plane of the tray 4, in such away that, when the flap 1001 is in the closed position, the elementswhich block the closing of the flap 1001 (teeth for example) are wellmaintained under the thickness of the case 20 with the flap 1001 in theclosed position. The paper tray 4 can be molded according to thethickness of the frame 221.

FIG. 24 illustrates the cover 3 assembled to the portabletelecommunications system 2.

In this embodiment as well, the optical functionalities such as thelens, the camera or the flash, of the portable telecommunications system2 are left uncovered by the cover 3. For example, the cover 3 hasopenings through its surface, to leave optical functionalities of theportable telecommunication system 2 (the lens, the camera, or the flashof the portable telecommunications system 2) uncovered.

The invention also considers a computer program designed to trigger theprinting of a document stored in the memory of the portabletelecommunications device 2. The computer program is stored on theportable telecommunication system 2. It is run, for example, by aprocessor on the portable telecommunications system 2. The computerprogram transfers the computer document to the printing device 1 throughthe communication device 200 and then communicates with the electroniccard 5 which manages the printing as described above. An application isdeveloped, under LINUX for example, for this portable telecommunicationsystem 2, in order to run this computer program.

As a first step, the application allows, for example, to choose an imageto be printed from one or more platforms, which may be the photo galleryof the portable telecommunications system 2, or databases hosted bysocial network systems. After selecting the image, the user of theportable telecommunication system 2 is directed to the printing stepwith the selected image as the background of the portabletelecommunication system 2. As soon as it is confirmed by the user, theprinting is launched on the printing support. In order to confirm theprinting, the user can, for example, touch and move his/her fingertowards the bottom of the screen, in the direction of slot 8, just as ifto get the print out. Once the finger moves past a trigger distance andreleased, the printing starts. If the user releases it before reachingthe end of the trigger distance, the picture returns to its initialposition.

Thus, in one respect, an invention relates to a method whereby:

-   -   A photo to be printed is selected,    -   A detected movement on the surface of the screen of the portable        telecommunications system is compared with a predetermined        movement corresponding with the launch of a print,    -   In the event that the comparison gives a positive result, the        printing is triggered,

In which the predetermined movement involves a continuous shift of anamplitude higher than a predetermined amplitude in a directionpredominantly pointing to the slot 8.

Once the printing has been validated, as the printing support comes out,printed-out, through the slot 8 of the cover 3, the picture to beprinted slides downwards in order to move out of the screen of thetelecommunication system Portable device 2 synchronously with theprinting, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

Thus, in one respect, an invention relates to a method whereby:

-   -   A picture to be printed is displayed on a screen of the portable        telecommunication device,    -   After a print order is received, multiple pictures, each one        corresponding to a translational movement of the previous image        to be printed towards the printing slot are successively and        repeatedly displayed on that screen, the said translational        movement being synchronized with the printing speed.

Alternatively, the application is also adapted to capture a picture withthe camera of the portable telecommunications system 2, for example.

As an alternative, the assembly 0 is made of several cameras, at thefront and at the rear for example, and the application allows to switchfrom one camera to another. The application also allows, among otherthings, to activate the flash, or to display a positioning grid or aphoto filter on the screen of the portable telecommunications system 2.

As an alternative, before printing, when the picture to be printed isdisplayed on the screen, the user can edit the image and rework it(resize the image, use filters, hues and saturation, or stickers amongother things).

The application could be made automatically available on the“smartphone” for example, whenever the shell 3 is mechanically connectedto the “smartphone”. For this purpose, the cover 3 may include a sensordetecting the connection of the cover 3 to the portabletelecommunication system 2, and automatically launching the application.

The cover may include a trigger button 104 to take photos (FIG. 7a ).When the user hits the button 104, a signal is sent to themicroprocessor of the printing device 1 and then transmitted to theportable system 2 through the communication component 200. Theapplication will then start taking the photo, as if the user had pressedthe picture-taking icon on the screen of the phone. In the lastembodiment, the trigger button 104 may be housed in the wall of thelower part of the case 221, and may be provided with a spring so as tomake the touch softer, as when pressing the button of a camera. The mainprinted circuit of the last embodiment described is such that it can beextended up to its connection point to the trigger button 104, thehousing of which is open in the wall of the frame 221, as illustrated inFIG. 16. The trigger button 104 may be provided with a toothed system120, as illustrated in FIG. 23, for example, so as to hold the triggerbutton 104 in its housing.

Alternatively, the trigger button 104 is also adapted to trigger theprinting of a photo when pressed. In this case, the shell 3 preventsprinting when the trigger button 104 is activated in case the connectionof the cover 3 to the portable telecommunication system 2 is notdetected.

Alternatively, trigger button 104 is adapted to trigger the photocapture and printing automatic sequence when pressed.

As an alternative, the printing of a photo is controlled via the touchscreen 58 of the portable telecommunications system 2 by activating theapplication suitable for triggering photo capture.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A device for printing digital media from aportable telecommunications device comprising: a portabletelecommunications device, wherein the portable telecommunicationsdevice has at least one photo stored on a memory system within theportable telecommunications device; a cover configured to attach to theportable telecommunications device, wherein the cover is mechanicallyand removably connected to the telecommunications device, wherein thecover comprises a communication system configured to receive the atleast one photo stored on the memory of the portable telecommunicationsdevice, wherein the cover further comprises a trigger button; and aprinting device, wherein the printing device is configured to print theleast one photo stored on the memory of the portable telecommunicationsdevice after the at least one photo is received by the communicationsystem.
 2. The device for printing digital media from a portabletelecommunications device of claim 1, wherein the trigger button isconfigured to launch an application on the portable telecommunicationsdevice and capture a photo when pressed.
 3. The device for printingdigital media from a portable telecommunications device of claim 2,wherein the trigger button is further configured to launch a photocapture and printing sequence when pressed.
 4. The device for printingdigital media from a portable telecommunications device of claim 1,further comprising a sensor configured to detect the connection of thecover to the portable telecommunications device.
 5. The device forprinting digital media from a portable telecommunications device ofclaim 1, wherein the cover is further configured to prevent the at leastone photo from being printed when the trigger button is activated if theconnection of the cover to the portable telecommunication device isdetected as negative.
 6. The device for printing digital media from aportable telecommunications device of claim 1, wherein printing the atleast one photo via the printing device is controlled via a touch screenof the portable telecommunications device.
 7. The device for printingdigital media from a portable telecommunications device of claim 1,further comprising an application, wherein the application is launchedby connecting the portable telecommunication device to the cover.
 8. Thedevice for printing digital media from a portable telecommunicationsdevice of claim 7, wherein the application is dedicated to at least oneof photo capture and photo printing.
 9. The device for printing digitalmedia from a portable telecommunications device of claim 1, wherein theprinting device receives the at least one photo via the communicationsystem of the portable telecommunications device via at least one of awired connection and a wireless connection.
 10. The device for printingdigital media from a portable telecommunications device of claim 1,wherein the portable telecommunications system comprises of asmartphone.
 11. The device for printing digital media from a portabletelecommunications device of claim 1, further comprising an externalbase, wherein the external base is configured to be connected to theportable telecommunications device via radio waves.
 12. The device forprinting digital media from a portable telecommunications device ofclaim 1, wherein the portable telecommunications device furthercomprises an internal memory system, wherein the at least one photo iscaptured by the portable communications device and stored on theinternal memory system.
 13. The device for printing digital media from aportable telecommunications device of claim 1, wherein the portabletelecommunications device further comprises an external memory system,wherein the external memory system includes the at least one photo andis configured to send the at least one photo to the portabletelecommunications device.
 14. A system for printing digital media froma portable telecommunications device comprising: a cover configured tobe mechanically and removably attached to a portable telecommunicationsdevice, wherein the cover further comprises a trigger button; a paperrefill, wherein the paper refill is configured to be affixed to thetelecommunications device; and a detachable mounting interface for thepaper refill and the cover, wherein the detachable mounting interface isconfigured to affix the paper refill to the cover at a position where apaper medium can be removed from the paper refill.